35 Small Dog Breeds That Make for Perfect Companions

If you're short on space, these small-statured cuties could fit the bill. This category typically weighs in at 7 to 35 pounds. Thinking big(ger)? Check out more medium-sized and large dog breeds.

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Yorkshire Terrier

At a mere seven pounds, Yorkies pack a energetic punch in small package. That gorgeous, silky fur has an additional upside too: It's hypoallergenic!

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English Cocker Spaniel

These spaniels weigh slightly more than their popular American counterparts, but their merry personalities win over families just as easily. Get them outside, and they're quite the happy campers.

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Whippet

Reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, whippets are the fastest animal of their size, according to the American Kennel Club. A couple of all-out sprints will tire them out for an entire afternoon.

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Maltese

Although it's tough to distinguish between all of the small white dog breeds out there, this one counts as one of the oldest. Maltese have entertained their owners for thousands of years. They're so lovable that the ancient Greeks even built tombs in their honor.

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Miniature Pinscher

Fearless and fun-loving, Min Pins require a lot more activity than their 10-pound frames suggest. Be prepared for some of their, ahem, more vocal qualities as well.

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Basenji

Basenjis originally worked as hunting dogs in Africa, prized for their intelligence and independence. Most notably, however, the"barkless dog" makes an odd chortle-like sound instead of a typical "woof."

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Beagle

Beagles have great temperaments — they're spirited and intelligent, playful, loyal, and friendly. Their keen sense of smell can sometimes make walks interesting, as they try to follow every smell they encounter.

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Bichon Frise

These dogs are known for being unbelievably happy, loving, and lovable. They require little exercise, making them ideal for apartment living. They're intelligent, although sometimes they exhibit a stubborn streak.

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Border Terrier

Plucky and happy, border terriers are known to be a tough, working breed. They will instinctively chase and hunt animals (and cars), so owners need to be especially vigilant.

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Boston Terrier

Affectionate and excellent with children, the Boston terrier doesn't have the fiery temperament of a typical terrier. They're dapper and intelligent and love lots of attention.

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Brussels Griffon

A member of the toy group, these pups are alert, curious and loyal. They also come in a smooth-coated variety, called "brabancons."

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Cairn Terrier

These upbeat, happy-go-lucky dogs tend to busy themselves with self-appointed jobs. They're feisty, especially with other dogs, and don't get along well with cats. They may need supervision around very young children.

Loyal and affectionate, the cocker spaniel is the perfect play pal for a child. They're intelligent with a desire to please, which makes training a breeze.

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Dachshund

With their happy, fun-loving personalities, these dogs love to play and get along great with children and other pets. Each of the three coat varieties has a slightly different personality — the smooth is the most stubborn of the trio.

These funny and outgoing little pups are the national dog of Cuba (hence the name) and make loyal family companions. While they're quite intelligent and naturally affectionate, Havanese are also more energetic than most toy breeds and require daily exercise.

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Italian Greyhound

These slender dogs have a long history (President John Tyler bought one for the First Lady in the 1840s) and they have the same sweetness of their taller greyhound cousins. Italian greyhounds' loyal, affectionate nature means they're perfectly suited as cuddling companions.

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Jack Russell Terrier

Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, Jack Russell terriers have made a name for themselves by appearing on screen in Wishbone, The Artist, and My Dog Skip, to name a few. The intelligent workers can be stubborn and extremely energetic.

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Lhasa Apso

Alert and watchful, these dogs are suspicious of strangers and will bark in alarm. They're independent and stubborn but very loyal and faithful to their families.

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Miniature Poodle

Even though all poodles are considered one (extremely intelligent) breed, they come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The miniature variety typical weighs in at a manageable 15 to 17 pounds. As for that fancy haircut, the "poodle clip" is designed to protect the joints and organs in cold water.

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Miniature Schnauzer

With its German sensibility (rather than the fiery nature of a British terrier), these dogs are excellent with both children and elderly people. Their alert nature and natural protective instincts make the mini schnauzer a good watchdog.

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Norwich Terrier

A "big dog in a small package," these terriers are especially eager and hard-working. They make for good family dogs because they're easily trained and need human companionship.

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Pekingese

Courageous and bold, these dogs don't let their small stature stand in the way. They're dignified, independent, and aloof to the point of being snobbish. They prefer the company of adults.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Playful, bright, and alert, corgis are great with children. They're intelligent and willing to please, making them easy to train. They're good watchdogs and can be noisy and reserved with strangers.

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Pug

Loyal and affectionate to everyone (including strangers), these dogs are extremely playful and always ready for a game. They're intelligent, although stubbornness makes this breed hard to train.

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Schipperke

Nothing will get by this lively and alert watchdog. They're not at all mean but can be mischievous. They like children but don't particularly like rough handling.

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Scottish Terrier

Scottish terriers are known for their independent and self-assured nature. But they can sometimes be dour and stubborn; trying to train a Scottie can be a real test of wills, and they tend to be one-person dogs.

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Shetland Sheepdog

Good-natured and eager to please, Shelties are easy to train. They're sometimes timid and standoffish with strangers, but they're great with children.

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Shiba Inu

Alert, active, and attentive, shibas are one of Japan's oldest breeds and the most popular companion dog in their native country.

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